Archive for the ‘rehearsal dinner spots’ Category

Today starts with a cautionary tale: on my wedding night, my brand-new husband and I left our reception to stay the night at a resort. Even though we had received confirmation that our room was a king, we got a double queen. We spent over an hour in the lobby, still wearing our tuxedo and wedding gown, getting the king room we reserved. It was not a pretty sight! Looking back, our mistake was not being discerning enough with our choice of hotel. We didn’t book at an Econo-Lodge but we certainly didn’t choose a place that matched the occasion. So when you think about the grandest day and night of your life, and where you are going to kiss your new spouse goodnight, go for the best. Spend a bit more to stay in a place that has impeccable service, a place that you’ve always heard amazing things about, a place that fulfills your wishes and dotes on you like royalty.

One such place is The Hermosa Inn. The resort is known for it’s intimate atmosphere and legendary service so their announcement about adding Butler Service got us all in a tizzy. Hermosa Inn is already so special and now they’ve raised the bar even higher.

Both discreet and anticipatory, the Inn’s butler service creates a one-of-a-kind experience for the discriminating guest looking for the perfect getaway. Be it requests for comfort, dining, experiences or ambiance, the personalized level of customer service that the butler program provides ensures a carefree visit.

The butler’s romance series also offers a chance to wine, dine and impress; setting up everything needed to create the ultimate romantic escape. Chocolate covered strawberries and champagne in-room, deliveries of favorite flowers, a private dinner under the stars or a hot drawn bath.

As a couple staying at the resort, Butler Service takes things to a whole new level. For brides, grooms and their guests, The Hermosa Inn’s butler program can go above and beyond to create a special experience surrounding the happy couple’s big day. Be it requests leading up to the wedding (couples massages, an in-room mimosa bar for the bridal party or emergency tailoring services day-of) or ensuring rest and relaxation post-nuptials (champagne and her favorite flowers in-room or setting up a private al fresco brunch for the new Mr. and Mrs. the following day), no request is too small.

Guests of the bride and groom could also receive the standard butler service regarding requests for comfort, dining, experiences or ambiance. While the bride and groom are getting ready they could be playing a round of golf at one of the many nearby top-rated courses in the nation or being served their favorite cocktails and artful American fare in a poolside cabana.

Wright’s at The Biltmore Valentine Dinner: At the Arizona Biltmore’s signature award winning restaurant, savor a gourmet Four-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner: first course of Lobster Bisque or Roasted Cauliflower Soup; second course of Foie Torchon or a Roasted Beet Salad; third course of Beef Tenderloin or Red Snapper Filet; and Dessert choice of Dark Chocolate Soufflé or Vanilla Bavarian. The dinner is $95 per person, with an optional wine pairing for $45 that includes champagne with dessert. Served 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., the dinner is offered Feb. 13 and 14. Tax and gratuity not included.

Sweet Heart Brunch at Wright’s at The Biltmore: Known for its award-winning Sunday Brunch, Wright’s is preparing a Valentine’s Day-themed Sweet Heart Brunch on Sunday, Feb. 15. Among the stations will be a Rawbar; Butcher Block of cheeses, charcuterie, grilled vegetables and breads; Fruits & Salads Bar; Omelet & Frittata Station, Action Station with everything from Pork Belly Confit to Tomato Jam and Potato Puree; Hot items such as Eggs Benedict, Schreiners Breakfast Sausage and Chicken Breast with Sunchoke, Sundried Tomato, Soubise; and Dessert display of assorted cakes, tarts, pastries and chocolates. Served 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., it’s $65 for adults and $29.95 for kids 5-12. Tax and gratuity not included.

Frank & Albert’s Valentine’s Day Dinner: A special three-course dinner will feature a first course choice of Strawberry Gazpacho or Maytag Cheese Tart; main course of Filet Oscar or Butter Poached Lobster Risotto; and a chocolate dessert buffet. The dinner will be served 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Valentine’s Day for $65.00 per person, with an optional wine pairing for $25.00 per person that includes sparkling wine with dessert. Tax and gratuity not included.

Valentine’s Day In-Room Candlelight Romance for Two: Guests who prefer the romantic privacy of their room or suite can opt for a three-course candlelight dinner for two that includes soup or salad, entrée, dessert and a bottle of house wine for $150, not including tax and gratuity.

Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea: The Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea combines special romance-themed chocolate desserts with trendy tea sandwiches and popular teas. Served Feb. 13, 14 and 15 in the Lobby Tea Lounge from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., the Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea is $38, or $46 with Kir Royal or Mimosa. Tax and gratuity not included.

For dining reservations,call 602-381-7632

Spa Biltmore Valentine’s Day Specials include:

Couples Massage Workshop: Discover the gift of unspoken communication through restorative touch. Your couple’s massage workshop is designed to increase individual and integrated awareness. Gain knowledge through body mechanics and demonstrated massage techniques, along with useful tools for preparation. This time will be dedicated to exploring relaxation and enhancing connection as a couple. Practice and become comfortable with the many life applications and benefits of touch. Three hours, $495.

HydraFacial® to Cupid’s Delight: Finally, you have found the perfect match. HydraFacial® resurfacing technology thoroughly enhances the skin using patented Vortex Technology™ to cleanse, exfoliate, extract and hydrate while simultaneously providing the skin with cellular supportive serums and hydration. But then, Cupid strikes and you enter Cloud Nine with a Farmhouse Fresh Whipped Whoopie! hand and foot treatment. Shea butter laden with soft notes of white velvet buttercream will surely be to your heart’s delight. 45 minutes, $225.

When we set out to design an intimate wedding reception table, we enlisted the creative talents of our Elite Circle professionals. The crew, led by Care Schmidt of Sterling Weddings & Events, created a dinner table fit for royalty- the plentiful floral arrangements, glittering candles and glassware, and fine detailing were all highlighted by glorious tones of purple. We definitely wanted to be guests at this reception!

There are definite advantages to planning a wedding for 25 people or less; since your budget will go farther, of course you have the opportunity to plan an extravagant reception (if that’s what you want) but the real payoff of having a smaller guest count is in the details. From beginning to end, every detail can be considered on a very manageable scale- choosing favors for 25 guests is very different from purchasing favors for 250 guests. Also, you can work with your stationer to create an over the top customized stationery suite, your reception dinner can be on the higher end and can include a meticulously chosen wine pairing element, and most importantly, you will have the time to sit at a table, share a meal, and have a conversation with your guests. That’s a priceless opportunity.

Talavera Restaurant at The Four Seasons is the perfect setting for an intimate reception dinner because it’s relatively small capacity means you won’t feel overwhelmed by your surroundings and the views of the high Sonoran Desert are spectacular.

When guests sit down to their meal, they’re greeted by a well-thought out place setting; the gold charger, double layer napkins, menu, and personal escort card all indicate that guests are invited to stay a while and enjoy their dinner among friends.

There’s no law saying that when you have your wedding in Phoenix, or really anywhere in Arizona, you have to make the Southwest a dominant theme. We know this of course, and really love when we see Southerners bring in their signature charm or when New Yorkers use their modern big-city sensibilities, but with the desert offering so much in the way of beauty and style, why not embrace the natural surround just a little bit on your wedding day?

We’re not talking Kokopelli and terra cotta (but if you want to use those, go for it!) today, we’re exploring a more sophisticated and colorful take on the Southwest. If you think Arizona is just brown, brown, and more brown, you’ll be delighted by the wide range of colors that evoke a Southwest vibe!

Many couples draw their inspiration from the amazing sunsets that Arizona is known for- pink streaks across the sky are not uncommon at sunrise or sunset and are always breathtaking. This design uses prickly pear, roses, and succulents highlighted by the glimmer of gold- we ADORE it!

Without a doubt, the Southwest is vibrant and visually interesting- if you want to mix textures, colors, and patterns when planning your wedding, you can do it and remain true to the Southwest you love. Have fun with all your options!

You know Elite Circle wedding venue Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is a truly beautiful place; the views at this modern Paradise Valley resort are stunning and with the newly remodeled Jade Bar, award-winning Elements Restaurant, and luxurious resort amenities, you will have found your own little piece of heaven right on the mountain.

What you may not know is that Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain also accommodates rehearsal dinners and currently, they have a special: when you book a rehearsal dinner during the months of February and March, you will save 36% with their exclusive Wedding Rehearsal Package.

Your rehearsal dinner can be at several locations throughout the resort property. This is in the ballroom, where you will have beautiful views and a private dining space:

“Farm to Table” menus have grown in popularity over the years but it’s still rare to find a venue (and a chef) who is willing to create a menu of this type for wedding receptions. If the idea of locally sourced ingredients that are in-season and the freshest you’ll ever find (i.e., the prettiest and tastiest) appeals to you, then the Farm to Table concept is right up your alley. The Westin Phoenix Downtown now offers an extensive and customizable Farm to Table wedding and event menu, thanks to Chef Chad McDonald, who was recently appointed Executive Chef for the hotel.

Chef Chad’s history and appreciation for local ingredients began at his family’s farm and at his first job at a hometown mom and pop meat market. Due to his passion for detail and understanding “the simplicity of a great dish”, his career blossomed. He’s a man who has a love of food and community, making him a true farm to table ambassador.

In regards to the farm-to-table concepts going forward, Executive Chef Chad McDonald will tailor menus seasonally for the restaurant and for weddings by working one-on-one with local farmers. This will allow chef to know what’s freshest at all times. Chef will be rearranging banquet and catered menus according to what the local farmers can offer seasonally. This would be a new step in working directly with the local farmers.

Chef will also work more hands-on – actually sitting down with our local famers to begin cultivating the relationship and also visiting the farms. This means, for example, chef could meet with couples-to-be at the very beginning of the wedding planning process so they could be involved in the decision-making process for which seasonal items they would want to incorporate from the local farms on their menus.

Just a few examples of the food you could have at your wedding under Chef Chad’s supervision:

Skirt Steak – Steaks are from a farm near Yuma, AZ

Tacos, meatballs, flatbreads, salmon benedict, and shrimp tacos are all potential menu items for your wedding- most ingredients in these dishes are sourced from local farmers and markets

The entire hotel has a very cool urban vibe and I really want to hang out at Province Lounge and Restaurant, where the farm to table concept is also featured; Fuchsia pops against dark wood in our lounge, a vibrant setting where you can refresh with beverages and light bites from an exclusive menu of sustainably-farmed, seasonal selections.

Choosing the menu for a large group of people, like you’ll be doing at your reception, may not be your first wedding planning priority but for those of you who are “foodies”, finding the right chef is important. Chef Chad may just be your guy.